"The Land of the Morning Calm" Top 5 Page for this destination South Korea by MEdelmann

South Korea Travel Guide: 7,671 reviews and 15,905 photos

The entrance to Seonunsa Temple - South Korea

WELCOME TO KOREA !

Korea is one of the most underrated countries in Asia. I could not understand why, but when you ask someone about this lovely country, they have no idea about it.

The only thing they know is that it is a devided country (into communist North and capitalist South) and that it is the home of Samsung, Daewoo & Co.... But many people will never get the idea to travel here ....

At the Namdaemun Gate in Seoul

Many people have a uncomplete or even wrong picture about Korea. Korea is not just a copy of China or Japan, Korea has its own culture and if you have explored it once you will see that it differs more than you first believed and maybe you will also fall in love with Korea, like I did ...

I also didn´t know much about Korea. And I also was not interested in it .... But it changed when I put on my radio reciever. I had tuned the shortwave and I was looking for a german-speaking station. After a while I found a station. There was speaking a nice female voice about the economy in Korea. First I thought I catched a german station. But I was surprised when the following announcement came "HIER IST RADIO KOREA INTERNATIONAL IN SEOUL" which means "this is Radio Korea International in Seoul"). I couldn´t believe my ears! I could listen to Radio Korea from Seoul on such a little radio! How exotic and amazing! So I had to try next day and time ... and the station was there ....

In the meanwhile I have collected postcards and presents from radio stations of 70 countries around the world. But I am still listen to RKI. They changed my opinion and my knowledge about Korea so dramatically. And when I was in Korea, they also invited me to come and they took me into the studio for an interview. One of the questions they asked me is if they don´t promise too much on the radio... and I had to negate. It is all true!

The colorful roofs

If you have ever the chance to make a visit in Korea: Do it! Korea has so much to offer. Although the japanese destroyed very much of the korean cultural heritage, Korea has been busy to restore and reconstruct the old. I personally love Korea and I also have a lot of friends here!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Exotic charme, a lot to see and friendly people
Cons:They speak less english and touristic infrastructure is not always good
In a nutshell:one of the most underrated countries in Asia

Intro Updated Jun 19, 2003
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Reviews (22)

Seoul - The Namdaemun Gate Things to Do (9)

This great gate played a important role in the past and today it is Korea's national treasure No.1 .... It stands... more travel advice

Seoul - Changgyeonggung Palace Things to Do (9)

Changgyeonggung Palace is the place where the prince and the princess lived. It is a smaller palace but not less... more travel advice

Seoul - Biwon/Huwon - The secret garden Things to Do (9)

Biwon (or Huwon) is a small garden inside of Changdeokgung Palace. During the Joseon dynasty it was forbidden for... more travel advice

Seoul - The Changdeokgung Palace Things to Do (9)

The Changdeokgung Palace is another great palace in Seoul. Many kings and princes of the Joseon dynasty lived here.... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (4)
See All Seonunsa Temple
Favorites (2)
See All Korean alphabet "Hangul"

Local Customs (4)
See All Changdeokdae
Sports & Outdoors (3)
See All Korean traditional houses

Travelogues (1)

Written Jan 24, 2003

4 photos

My korean pen-girlfriend Kanghee

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Comments (31)

bpacker Jul 6, 2005 at 6:57 PM Report Abuse

Great page, Manfred, you made me miss Korea! Yup, the most notable mountains are Mt Sorak and Hallasan. They are very beautiful. Glad I went there.
SiewSian Dec 5, 2004 at 3:29 AM Report Abuse

Its sound differents you wants us must Do...listen to Radio Korea International. Its new things to me. Will try once I being there.
grets Sep 26, 2004 at 1:54 AM Report Abuse

Korea looks like an amazing place to visit, thank you for sharing yout excellent tips and photographs. I hope to be able to visit Korea one day.
pepples46 Mar 19, 2004 at 10:37 PM Report Abuse

fantastic pics, I'll be back for the text, tanx Fred..great read I like it very much, and fine updates Fred^..^
nepalgoods Nov 18, 2003 at 11:32 PM Report Abuse

Your photos show the beauty of this lovely country! And your tips bring back memories of a great trip!
genome408 Sep 25, 2003 at 12:25 PM Report Abuse

nice page, great info.
XenoHumph Jul 29, 2003 at 12:18 PM Report Abuse

Fantastic page! Very good tips with good illustrations! It is true most people in Europe or North America do not know much about Korea. Your page is a great introduction!
maryamy Jul 25, 2003 at 10:40 AM Report Abuse

Sounds fascinating here.
Sweetberry1 Jul 23, 2003 at 9:01 PM Report Abuse

Wonderful page of a very interesting place.. Yes, the weather can sure change once you get to the mountains.. ;-)
Bwana_Brown Jun 15, 2003 at 1:46 PM Report Abuse

Great page on South Korea! Very good tips and photos!